7-Day Manu Reserved Zone Tour

Seven Days of Deep Amazon Wildlife and Adventure

Whether you choose a 6 - or 7-night expedition with us, rest assured you will have an unforgettable experience. All of our programs have been carefully crafted to showcase the best flora and fauna that the Manu and Palotoa Rivers plus the oxbow lakes in the Manu National Park have to offer. Additional interesting excursions have been designed so that all visitors will be able to discover the secrets of the Peruvian Amazonia.

Although all activities are optional, we encourage our guests to listen to their adventurous side and choose to try the variety of activities on offer, including: river tubing in the River Palotoa, swimming in clear water, skirting the riverbanks in search of playful creatures, birdwatching and trekking into the jungle by both day and night.

NOTE: The program involves several trips by bus and boat, and so given the uncontrollable forces of nature, the program may be subject to change at any time without notice.

Overview
• Start: Cusco
• End: Cusco
• Style: Original
• Type: Adventure
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Age Minimum: Children of 10 with their parents, 18 without parents.
• Group size: Minimum 2 Maximum 9

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco / Cloud Forest / Rivers Madre de Dios and Palotoa / Robles Treehouse Lodge

Prior to Dawn:
We shall pick you up from your hotel between 4 and 4.30 a.m. before setting off in one of our minivans to travel for 2½ hours through the Andes to Paucatambo.

During the Morning:
We shall stop for breakfast in Paucatambo between about 7.30 and 8.30 a.m. After that we shall continue our journey for another hour until we reach the highest mountain pass (Acjanaco) at 3,650m.a.s.l. From there we shall begin our descent through the verdant cloud forest. We shall pass through several ecological zones as we make our way down to the large rivers in the Amazon basin below. The cloud forest is home to many species such as the Andean Cock of the Rocks (the National bird of Peru), quetzals and several species of monkey. The trees are covered in mosses, lichens and different types of ferns.

At midday:
At about 12.30 p.m. we shall reach a humming bird center. This is a local initiative set up to attract humming birds, other birds and monkeys. Whilst our cook prepares a delicious lunch, we shall have around 40 minutes to enjoy the humming birds feeding on nectar alongside monkeys and a variety of birds.

In the afternoon:
We shall reach the river port of Atalaya at around 3 p.m. Here our team will be waiting and we shall quickly embark on a journey down the choppy waters of the Madre de Dios river. This journey will take about 1½ hours and during the trip we expect to see capybaras and aquatic birds plus other wildlife on the banks of the river. When we reach the tributary Palotoa river we shall disembark to change onto a smaller Peke Peke boat which will carry us up this river for 40 minutes until we reach our lodge.

At Night:
Upon arrival you will be shown to your rooms and then shortly afterwards at around 6 p.m. we shall go on our first nocturnal trek lasting about 1½ hours. We shall be using rubber boots and have with us machetes and powerful torches in order to identify the wildlife. As night falls scores of insects, frogs and shy snakes become active as do the tarantulas. From time to time we shall switch off our torches and will be surrounded by the amazing sounds of the jungle. We should hear owls and we shall see some of the many luminous insects too and we may feel the nocturnal bats as they fly by. Dinner will be upon return from the walk, at 7.30 p.m. We shall also use this time to outline the agenda for the next day. The night will be spent at the Robles Treehouse Lodge.

Day 2: Parrot and Macaw Clay Lick / Day and Night Walks / River Tubing

At Dawn:
We shall be up at 5 a.m. today and shortly afterwards we shall set off for a 15-minute walk equipped with binoculars and a telescope. This short trek will take us to an observation point for a clay lick on the opposite side of the Palotoa river. From our hiding point we shall be able to watch colorful macaws and parrots as they arrive early to feed on the minerals at the clay lick. This is one of the most beautiful bird watching activities that can be undertaken in the Amazon.We shall be back at the lodge by 7.30 a.m. where our chef will have a delicious breakfast waiting for us.

In the morning:
After breakfast we shall head into the tropical jungle for our first daytime trek. We will be equipped with binoculars, a telescope, rubber boats and a machete to clear trails. We shall walk for about 2 hours and will be on the lookout for animals such as monkeys, peccaries, sloths and a range of tropical birds including, if we are lucky, the harp eagle. We should be back at the lodge around midday.

At midday:
At around 12.30 p.m. we shall have lunch. For us food is of great importance. our cooks will provide you with a great and varied menu. After lunch there will be time for a siesta. In hot humid climates such as that in Manu siestas are important. You can take the opportunity to enjoy our hammocks or deck chairs.

In the afternoon:
We shall begin our next activity at 3 p.m. We call this activity "river tubing" and it consists of floating down the river Palatoa on large rubber inner tubes from a point up river of our lodge. You will need insect repellent, sun cream and a bathing costume. Part of the route goes through semi rapids, whilst other sections are very calm – ideal for contemplating the lush vegetation on either river bank. As you float down the river you may see monkeys, aquatic birds and macaws flying overhead. Given that the temperatures in Manu are generally around 35°C in midafternoon this is an ideal activity.

At night:
At 6 p.m. we shall begin another nocturnal walk in the forest. Once more we shall be on the lookout for the shy nighttime creatures of the amazon such as tarantulas and other spiders, insects, frogs and snakes. If we are lucky, we may see monkeys and sloths too. Dinner will be at 7.30 p.m. and once again we shall run through the agenda for the next day.

The night will be spent at the Robles Treehouse Lodge

Day 3: Macaw and Parrot Clay Lick / Day and Night Walks / Kayak / Huito Cocha Lake

At Dawn:
Once more we shall be up early in order to walk to the hide close to the river, from where we shall have another opportunity to watch the colorful macaws and parrots as they fly in to feed on the mineral rich clays. We may also see toucans flying between the trees and if we are very lucky even an ocelot or other predator hunting the birds.

During the Morning:
We shall have a nutritive and varied buffet breakfast at 7.30 a.m. Shortly after this we shall head into the jungle once more on foot. We shall continue to explore the forest in search of wildlife including snakes. We shall also learn more about the giant ficus trees and the lianas growing from them.

At Midday:
Lunch will be held about 12.30 p.m. following a long walk. After enjoying the food there will, once again, be time for you to take a siesta, spend time in one of the hammocks, read a book or to go for a swim in the Palotoa river.

During the Afternoon:
At 3 p.m. we shall begin our next activity – kayaking on the Palatoa river. This is an excellent way of getting up close to parts of the river which are, otherwise, difficult to reach and since we can do this silently it gives us a good opportunity to see wildlife and also to experience a moment of calm and tranquility as we listen to the sounds of the water and woodlands around us. This is definitely an activity you will not want to miss.

At Night:
Once again, we shall head into the forest for a nocturnal walk. Each night is distinct from the others and nature will always have some interesting surprises for us. We shall be able to visit wetland areas and bamboo woodlands in addition to the primary forest so always have a chance to see a variety of wildlife. We shall also be visiting the Huito Cocha lake where you will be able to see many frogs and toads (including some giants) plus caimans active in the water. Dinner will be at 7.30 p.m. during which we shall discuss plans for tomorrow.

The night will be spent at the Robles Treehouse Lodge.

Day 4: Rivers Palotoa, Madre de Dios and Manu / Otorongo Lake / Machiguenga House

At Dawn:
Before dawn, at around 5 a.m. we shall board our peke peke boat to travel down the Palotoa river. Once we reach the end of the tributary river, we shall switch onto the larger boat in order to navigate for the more turbulent waters of the Madre de Dios river. We should have the chance to see capybaras and many aquatic birds in addition to the wonderful scenery. We shall have breakfast on board the boat

Midmorning:
After a journey of 5 hours we shall reach the Limonal Control Point for entering the Manu National Park. We shall stop here in order to register. After a break of an hour, we will continue our journey up the majestic Manu River for a further 5 hours. This is a great opportunity for seeing wildlife. We could see animals such as terrapins, caimans, capybaras and many aquatic birds. If we are lucky, we could also see the top predator in the Amazon – the jaguar.

At Midday:
We shall have a fresh and nutritious lunch on board our boat.

In the Afternoon:
After a journey of 4 hours in our boat up the Manu River we shall reach the entrance point to the Otorongo lake at about 3 p.m. We shall spend the next hour and a half exploring the trails around the lake and also climbing the 25m high tower by the lake in order to be afforded some spectacular views of the area. In addition to admiring the forest with its huge trees we hope to see monkeys and river otters amongst other wildlife. Following this visit we shall continue on the final leg of our journey by boat for an hour in order to reach the Machiguenga House lodge.

At night:
After a 12-hour journey by boat we will finally reach our lodge around 5 p.m. An hour later we shall get ready once more to head out into the virgin jungle in order to take another amazing nocturnal walk in order to see some of the many nighttime creatures. Dinner will be at 7.40 p.m. We shall outline plans for tomorrow over dinner, which will be one full of interest.

The night will be spent at the Machiguenga House lodge.

Day 5: Lake Salvador / Day and Night Walks / Macaw and Mammal Clay Lick

At Dawn:
We shall set out from our lodge at 5 a.m. in order to travel on our boat for 15 minutes until we reach a path into the forest leading to the lake Salvador, which we shall reach following a 40-minute walk. This Oxbow lake and it´s surrounds are home to river otters, hoatzins (a prehistoric bird), caimans and others. We also have the chance to see many species of monkeys such as howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys and spider monkeys moving through the trees at the edge of the lake. This is a natural marvel which you definitely should not miss.

During the morning:
We shall be at the lake for a couple of hours. After that we shall walk further into the forest in order to arrive at the famous clay lick visited by macaws and some mammals. We shall be in a hide about 50m from the lick. As we wait in silence the colorful macaws will descend to feed upon the clay and minerals. This is yet another spectacular sight.

At Midday:
Lunch will be at 12.30 p.m. in the dining area of our comfortable Machiguenga lodge. Our kitchen team will make a special effort to provide you with a delicious, nutritious and exotic meal. After this there will be some free time for a siesta to recharge our batteries.

In the Afternoon:
We shall gather together all of our equipment in order to head into the primary forest at about 3 p.m. We shall be on the lookout for several species of monkey, peccaries, ant eaters and sloths amongst others. We will also be able to admire giant trees in the forest.

At night:
At 6 p.m. we shall head out in our boat with powerful torches to navigate along the Manu river in the dark for another unforgettable experience. We shall be searching for caimans and tapirs or capybaras – you never know for sure but the jungle always has good surprises and many animals prefer to move around at night when the air is fresher. We shall have dinner at 8 p.m. with our chef coming up with a special meal. We shall also discuss plans for tomorrow.

We shall stay overnight at the Machiguenga lodge once more.

Day 6: River Manu / River Madre de Dios / Nocturnal Walk

At Dawn:
We shall be up at 5 a.m. in order to take our boat back down the calm waters of the Manu river. This is a good time to be on the lookout for jaguars. During this 5-hour journey we shall be on constant watch for wildlife such as capybaras, caimans and tapirs (the largest mammal in the Amazon) as well as hundreds of terrapins.

Midmorning:
Upon arrival at Limonal we shall check out of the park reserve. After an hour or so we shall continue our boat journey heading up the choppy waters of the Madre de Dios river. Once more there will be good opportunities for spotting diverse wildlife.

Midday:
We shall have lunch on board our boat, whilst always keeping an eye out for wildlife on the banks of the river.

In the Afternoon:
We should reach the Palotoa river about 3 p.m. We shall change boats once more, in order to take the small Peke Peke boat back up the river to the Robles Treehouse Lodge.

At night:
We shall head out on our final nocturnal walk at 6 p.m. Every night is different so make sure you do not miss this final opportunity to witness the Amazon forest at night. Dinner will be at 7.30 p.m. and once more we shall discuss plans for the next day.

The night will be spent at the Robles Treehouse Lodge.

Day 7: Boat Trips / Cloud Forest / Cusco

In the morning:
Following breakfast at 5.30 a.m. we shall get our things together before heading down river by Peke Peke. After a journey of around 25 minutes we shall reach the point where we change onto the larger river boat at the end of the Palotoa river. The journey back up the Madre de Dios river to the port of Atalaya will take around 2½ hours. Morning is the best time to see the wildlife on and close to the river so we shall ensure that we have our eyes open for a last chance to see animals such as capybaras, spoonbills and other river birds.

Once we reach the port of Atalaya we will rejoin our waiting minivan in order to return to Cusco via the cloud forest, which will offer us another opportunity to see the iconic Andean Cock of the Rock bird as well as different species of monkey and maybe sloths.

At Midday:
Lunch will be in Paucatambo at around 1.30 p.m. Tea and coffee will be available.

In the Afternoon:
We shall reach Cusco around 5 p.m. We can drop you off at your hotel, at the airport or at the bus terminal.

Thanks for travelling with us.

Additional Information

TOUR PRICES
The tour prices will vary according to the program that you wish to reserve as these vary from 2 to 8 days. Other things which will affect the prices include the type of service required, the size of the group and whether you form a private group or will be part of a shared one. Also, they will depend upon whether your tour is taken in the peak or non-peak season. Even factors such as government policies and major changes to the cost of living can alter prices so it is always best to check with us first.

We are a tour operator which runs our own tours. We neither pass on our clients to other tour agencies nor receive tourists from other agencies to top up groups with tours which have already been agreed and organized. We will run trips for groups as small as two people and are always reliable once a reservation is made.

IS THIS TRIP IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The Manu reserved area 7 days tour is an adventure tour that involves traveling in a minivan and boat for several hours, crossing the Andes, part of the cloud forest, and the extensive lowland plain. The trip itself is moderate to easy. The first day is mainly road travel in our private minivan crossing the high Andes. It may be cold and oxygen will be thin, so we recommend drinking mate de coca before the trip, and wearing warm layers. To avoid the effects of altitude, drink plenty of water. From the afternoon we will descend into the cloud forest and our road will wind through potholes, curves, tunnels, and waterfalls. The views are spectacular. As we descend, the temperature increases. In the lowland jungle there will be a tropical climate where you will want to remove your warm layers and put on repellent. From the second day to the seventh day, we will spend much of the time on the river and sail by boat for several hours each day, enjoying the vast Amazonian plains in the protected Manu National Park. All our hostels are rustic, clean and accessible to any one of any age. It's beautiful and teaming with wildlife.

MEETING POINT AND PICK UP
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco on day one. Our Guide will meet you and show you to our private minivan. The tour begins and ends in the city of Cusco. If you're based outside of Cusco - in Pisac, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo for example, you will be picked up much earlier to be brought to the city of Cusco to join the tour at its departure point. Please contact us to coordinate. This service would have an additional cost, and the schedule of pick up would have to be arranged in advance.

TIME OF PICK UP
Pick up time is bright and early, at 4:00 in the morning, to give us more time to enjoy the places of interest on the way. And, leaving early we also take advantage of the fresh morning to see more wildlife activity on the way and we also avoid traffic and other tour group crowds.

BRING YOUR OWN BINOCULARS
We don't want you to miss out on the spectacular beauty of the flora and fauna of the Manu rainforest! While your zoom is a great way to catch animals at a distance, binoculars are a great way just to watch! Our naturalist guides take a binocular and telescope with them and will share with you when this is necessary! Please note, while in your care, the binoculars or telescope are your responsibility, so please treat them with care as you are liable in the event of any damage or loss.

But we recommend that you bring your own binoculars! The VORTEX 10 x 42 water resistant binoculars offer extended clear viewing and bring the action in close.

AVAILABILITY OF TOUR
We normally run this tour from April to December (dry season). For January, February and March, please inquire for availability as it is the rainy season and trips will be scheduled only when it is safe.

YOUR TRAVEL BACKPACK
We recommend economizing on your luggage for this 7 day trip to Manu. Travel light and think about bringing layers instead of big jackets, etc. Be selective and pack light. Choose quick dry clothing, if possible, we will be in the jungle! Remember long sleeves and long trousers are a barrier between you and the mosquitos! Pack wisely and enjoy your trip more.

• A small daypack for all your essentials like water bottle, camera, snacks and phone, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
• 4-5 long sleeve t-shirts
• 3 Ultra lightweight pair of hiking pants
• 6 Pairs of underwear
• 6 Pairs of socks
• 1 wide-brimmed Sun Hat
• Flip flops for the shower
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• 1 small ultra-light towel
• Waterproof shoes/hiking sandals like TEVAs
• Swimming suit/Bathers
• Torch/flashlight with extra battery
• Dark-colored clothing

USEFUL ITEMS
• Plastic bags for dirty and clean clothes, and for camera/electronics.
• A torch or head lamp (for night hikes) with battery
• Camera and Battery charger and extra battery, memory cards

TOILETRIES
• Biodegradable or Organic Soap (available in Cusco)
• Sunscreen
• DEET or other strong insect repellent
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toilet paper (in plastic bag to keep dry!)
• Personal medication for 7 days

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
Manu Rainforest Peru tour rates include all meals (vegetarian, vegan, and kosher options are available with prior notice), hot drinks, beer served with one lunch, and a Pisco Sour served with one dinner.

The rates also include accommodation in comfortable lodges, all excursions led by specialized naturalist guides, a professional chef, the entrance fee to Manu National Park, day and night walks, and all transportation (minivan and boat). We also use a traditional PEKE PEKE boat, a small local motorized boat used to navigate the Palotoa River.

As part of your Amazon adventure, the tour also includes river tubing (floating down the river using an inflatable tube) and kayaking on the Palotoa River.